+ 7th Grade

Math: Our 7th grade mathematicians are wrapping up our geometry unit, where the focus has been towards the application of formulas and strategies to calculate surface area and volume. Geometry offers a rich opportunity to apply previous learning in practical, meaningful ways.

Next week we will take one more math assessment for this year, scheduled for Wednesday, May 27. This end-of-year evaluation will offer an opportunity to demonstrate mastery in each of the essential learning targets of 7th grade math. Review resources have been provided for students, and we will continue to work on preparation in class.

As we begin to make plans for next year, families will soon receive information about our recommendations for next year’s math course placement. Stay tuned for more to co

ELA: In ELA, we are going through a class novel study of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. We are focusing on theme and symbolism in this novel, connecting key characters, events, and objects to symbolism of God’s Story.

Bible: In Bible, we are wrapping up the year with a study of the Israelite Festivals. We will be diving into the celebrations of Passover, Shavuot, Purim, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and a few more. The focus in this unit is looking at how God’s people lived as God Worshippers and considering the rhythms in our own lives and how we make space for celebrating God’s work in our own lives.

Science: In 7th grade science, we will continue our study of seed plants and the important role they play in creation and in the ecosystems around us. Students will examine how plants reproduce, spread, and interact with the environment, while also considering the incredible design and complexity found within plant life. We will spend time discussing the importance of seeds, pollination, plant structures, and the ways plants support both human life and the broader creation.

As we move toward the end of the year, we will transition into a short unit on geology. Students will explore the structure of the earth, the forces that shape the planet, and the fascinating processes that occur beneath the earth’s surface. To conclude the year, we will watch and discuss a compelling film about the massive supervolcano beneath Yellowstone National Park, examining both the science behind volcanic activity and the potential impact such events can have on the environment and human civilization. These final topics will provide an engaging and memorable way to end the year as 7th graders prepare for their final exams and reflect on everything they have learned throughout the course.

Social Studies: In 7th grade social studies we have a lot planned for the last two weeks of the year. Students will step into the roles of US Senators debating and voting on the very bills that pushed the North and South toward Civil War. Our 60 year learning target for this unit is We will identify ways that we are called to serve others and as a result of our service, build community with them. This lesson is intended to both identify and explain the conflict in our country while having students reflect on ways that we love others in spite of our disagreements. Next week they'll receive their exam review in class, and we'll be putting in plenty of prep time before the exam on Thursday, June 4.

Spanish: These past two weeks, 7th graders have been going through the Spanish reader, “Piratas del Caribe y el mapa secreto.” Students have learned a variety of new vocabulary and have done an excellent job discovering more about the Spanish language through reading this text. This week, Thursday specifically, 7th graders spent time preparing a short skit with a small group of their classmates to “retell” a given chapter of the novel. Students were challenged to summarize the text and rewrite portions of it, in addition to getting into character and performing their parts. I was so encouraged by their tremendous skits and how well they understood and could convey to their audience the main parts of the story. ¡Excelente, estudiantes! Furthermore, students truly worked well to graciously communicate and succeed in the preparation of these skits. I am so proud of our students!

+ 8th Grade

Pre-Algebra: In pre-algebra, we have wrapped up a brief unit that applies the formulas required for finding the Volume of various 3D solids. Next week, we will be taking an end-of-year assessment that will evaluate mastery of the essential learning targets of this last semester. Students have been provided review materials, and we will devote the remaining time we have together in class in preparation of this opportunity.

Algebra: Our Algebra students are tackling quadratic equations using the Quadratic Formula. An essential learning goal for us in this course is to “radiate the likeness of Jesus when we make sense of problems and demonstrate perseverance in solving them.” It is a blessing to see this truth develop and become more beautifully evident in our students as they’ve developed both their mathematical understanding and their character over the course of this year. Next week, we will be taking an end-of-year assessment that will evaluate mastery of the essential learning targets of this last semester. Students have been provided review materials, and we will devote the remaining time we have together in class in preparation of this opportunity.

ELA: In 8th grade, we are wrapping up work in a short story unit that focused on reading and analyzing a series of Twilight Zone episodes. We focused on theme and how writers use their stories to speak to issues they notice in society. Students are wrapping up this unit by writing and recording their own Twilight Zone episode, complete with a theme and surprise twist endings! Students have demonstrated courageous designing and curious thinking as they thought about how to write engaging stories that teach thoughtful lessons.

Bible: Students are continuing to explore the growth of the early Church. After the break, we will move further through key accounts in the book of Acts, seeing how God used the lives of His people to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea, and to the ends of the earth.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Seder Passover meal. It was a meaningful and blessed time of reflection for our class. May the celebration of Christ’s resurrection bring hope and strength to each of your families!

Science: In 8th grade science we will be wrapping up Reproduction. The unit on reproduction is so full of fallenness and restoration- possibly more than any other area we have studied. Your students have asked good questions throughout, and we have had some important discussions- especially surrounding internet porn and internet gambling, which according to many are the greatest threats these kids (especially our young men) face. I hope you continue these important discussions about the dangers and fallenness of both of those topics. Next we will be moving on to some genetics- the way God uses to create diversity in creation!
Bible: In 8th grade Bible we will be looking at some of Paul’s letters and then moving on to examine apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic literature and the history of the early church post- acts will take us close to the end of the year

Social Studies: One week of class left. It is crazy how fast this year has gone! To close out our final unit on Asia, students have chosen countries to research and present on, centered around our 60-year learning target: "We will recognize the challenges and opportunities of a tremendously high population rate, celebrate the diversity of the region (language, culture, history, geography) and help bring restoration where God leads us." Their work will be an amazing reminder of the power and creativity of our God.

Spanish: 8th graders have been reading through our Spanish novel, “Robo en la Noche” a fictional story that takes place in Costa Rica, based on bird-trading schemes that take place around much of the Spanish-speaking world. Students have been learning to summarize these longer chapters by seeking out key details in the story. 8A will perform skits over a few chapters on Tuesday, and 8B will begin their preparation for their skits, as well. As we are about to wrap up our school year together, I am encouraged by the students’ persistence and grit throughout their study of Spanish.

PE: The year is ending with golf, followed by some good ‘ole kickball and wiffle ball to close out the year. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your kids for the past 2 years, and here’s to an active and healthy future for all!

+ Music

Thank you to everyone for attending our spring concert! It was a joy to share an evening of music celebrating the gifts your students have been given. 7th graders, please make sure you bring your instrument and music home over the summer! I can’t wait to continue the good work we’ve been doing in the fall. 8th graders, if you are not continuing with orchestra in high school, you will need to contact your music store provider to check on the status of your rental account and decide whether you’ll pay off to own your instrument (if it isn’t paid off yet), or return it directly to the store. Blessings as you begin the next chapter of your journey!